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Before we begin the story, a brief but heartfelt thanks to those of you who helped make this adventure happen, especially Dad and Mum, Pam, Richard, Noel, Daniele, Kelly, Rhadames, Clara, Kate, Christian. THANK YOU!

The idea of getting the red car down to Malta had been passed around a few times, but no one seemed to have time. Dad had said that he thought it might be good this year. It could be shipped, so I looked in to that, but the idea of driving seemed more interesting. It would mean I could stop to see a couple of friends on the way.

The idea of taking someone had been booted around. Pam would be teaching so couldn’t come. The boys were in school. And I didn’t want to be slowed down. I was aiming for a maximum of a week and had to be back by 20 May at the latest and would be tied up in the garden and with hay making till late summer. So, if I was to go, I was leaning toward a solo drive.

When Dad visited with Romey and Anthony he confirmed he’d like to have the car in the sun, so I started planning and by the weekend had decided to go, but not whether to go on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday … On Monday, Pam encouraged me to take Richard, but I was reluctant. At lunch I decided to take Richard – it might be the last chance for me and him to get to know each other a bit before he was gone for good … We would leave the following morning.

Just about to leave Noel’s workshop in January 2016 looking the best she’s done for years.

The preparations had started in earnest a few days before the off. Padraig at Wesley James’ tracked and balanced the wheels. Wesley warned me about play in the steering. I said “That’s just how it is!”. Wesley told me to “See Noel!” at least five times. So I did. Noel is a wizard who keeps the cars, trucks and tractors of many lucky folk around here running and looking good. He had done an amazing job of “repainting” the car a year ago. The paint job was beautiful but he also waxoyled the frame inside and out and re-welded a few of the more gaping holes. (After picking it up last year, he demonstrated its roadworthiness by doing a few doughnuts on a country lane!) The car wouldn’t have been ready without his magical touch. On this occasion he gave the steering a clean bill of health but told me to replace the front driver side tyre. We swapped it for the spare in the meantime. I’d look for tyres over the weekend. Continue reading Zen Adventure→